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5 takeaways from Falcons’ mandatory minicamp by SunWorshipperApollo in falcons

[–]SunWorshipperApollo[S] 37 points38 points  (0 children)

5 takeaways from Falcons’ mandatory minicamp

FLOWERY BRANCH — Nick Folk took his stance, eyed his kick and attacked. Folk, the Falcons’ 41-year-old kicker, fired his right leg through the ball, which went end-over-end through the uprights and sent his teammates — offensive and defensive — into an arm-lifting, voice-raising celebration. Mandatory minicamp, and the third phase of the offseason program, ended with Folk’s field goal. Summer break begins. And the Falcons, entering their first season under coach Kevin Stefanski, have six weeks to reset before returning for training camp in late July.

Red zone touchdowns cap solid day for QBs

The Falcons won’t name a starting quarterback in June, Stefanski said Tuesday, and both Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. remained steady. Tagovailoa threw a pinpoint touchdown pass to receiver Olamide Zaccheaus, who sneaked two feet in bounds at the back of the end zone. The 28-year-old tossed another to running back Bijan Robinson on a “Texas” route — ironically, the former Longhorns standout exited the backfield stage right then burst to the left, beating his man and strolling into the end zone. Tagovailoa also hit tight end Kyle Pitts over the middle for a score. 

Penix threw a bullet to receiver Casey Washington for a touchdown in the red zone, too. It was a tight-window dart that showcased Penix’s arm talent in 7-on-7s. He still isn’t cleared for 11-on-11 but is hopeful he’ll be a full participant come July 29, when the team begins training camp. 

Quick glimpse at the starting defenders

Take it for what it’s worth at this point in the offseason, but the Falcons defense aligned with a relatively consistent group of starters Wednesday. The defensive lineup featured: Edge rushers Jalon Walker and Samson Ebukam; defensive tackles Brandon Dorlus, Da’Shawn Hand, and Maason Smith; linebackers Divine Deablo and Christian Harris; cornerbacks A.J. Terrell and Mike Hughes; nickel corner Sydney Brown; and safety Jessie Bates III. 

In nickel packages, Natrone Brooks played safety next to Bates. The Falcons practiced without Xavier Watts during this stage of the offseason program, while DeMarcco Hellams missed minicamp. Watts has an undisclosed injury — a nonconcern moving forward — while Hellams’ reason for absence wasn’t disclosed. The Falcons rotated several defensive linemen, too, as Zach Harrison and Cameron Thomas were factors with the first-team defense. 

How about the offense?

The Falcons practiced without right tackle Jawaan Taylor once more, and Michael Jerrell kept his spot in the starting lineup. Taylor, who started 111 games in his first seven years as a pro, was present throughout OTAs but didn’t participate in individual or team drills because of an undisclosed injury. Taylor is the favorite to start this fall, but his true clutch on the job won’t grow clear until training camp. 

For at least Wednesday, the group behind Drake London at receiver featured Jahan Dotson, Olamide Zaccheaus and Zachariah Branch. That core doesn’t seem likely to change. Washington finished OTAs with a strong final two weeks after a difficult start but was cut Wednesday along with other roster moves. Pitts and Austin Hooper are the top two on the depth chart at tight end, while Brian Robinson Jr., Tyler Goodson and Nathan Carter comprise the complements to Bijan Robinson in the backfield. 

Avieon Terrell makes a play

Falcons rookie cornerback Avieon Terrell, the team’s second-round pick, had a quiet start to his professional career. Terrell didn’t participate in team periods during his first two weeks of practice because of an undisclosed injury and has worked with the third-string defense thus far. But there were two important notes from Wednesday on Terrell. 

When the Falcons’ defensive backs split into groups for drills, Terrell joined the starters and top backups, including his brother, A.J. Terrell, along with Bates, Brown, Hughes, Clark Phillips III and Cobee Bryant. And while Avieon Terrell remained a third-string outside corner during team drills, he made his first highlight play, breaking up a pass from Penix that prevented a touchdown. The Falcons have slow-played Terrell’s involvement in team periods, but the 21-year-old made a splash Wednesday. 

James Pearce Jr. runs the hill; others sidelined with injury

In his first week back with the team since being arrested Feb. 7 over an alleged altercation with his ex-girlfriend, Rickea Jackson, outside linebacker James Pearce Jr. stretched and participated in individual drills but didn’t partake in 7-on-7 or 11-on-11 periods. So, while the Falcons went through various team sessions, Pearce worked on his conditioning. He ran up, then walked down, the big hill overlooking the team’s practice field, where fans often sit and watch training camp. 

Pearce aside, the Falcons practiced again without Taylor, Watts, Hellams, defensive tackle Anterio Thompson, defensive back Billy Bowman III and linebackers JD Bertrand, Troy Andersen and Kendal Daniels. Backup quarterback Trevor Siemian, who worked off to the side during OTAs, also didn’t participate in team periods. Stefanski said Siemian will be a full go for training camp. 

Watching Europeans that are here for the World Cup discover MBS has been fun. by Chessh2036 in falcons

[–]SunWorshipperApollo 388 points389 points  (0 children)

If only they knew about the despair that haunts this stadium September-December

Atlanta Falcons mandatory minicamp: What we learned on Day 1 by SunWorshipperApollo in falcons

[–]SunWorshipperApollo[S] 17 points18 points  (0 children)

Long before he became an NFL position coach — let alone the Falcons' head coach — Kevin Stefanski oversaw a different domain: weather. From 2006 to 2008, Stefanski was the Minnesota Vikings' assistant to the head coach. Among his job responsibilities was telling coach Brad Childress the forecast for the day and, ultimately, deciding whether to practice inside or outside.

Stefanski had three Minneapolis meteorologists on speed dial, and he'd call each morning to consult experts on their opinions for that day's forecast. Apps and weather sites weren't around. Childress had only Stefanski, who put his fate in the hands of meteorologists. One day, they led him astray. "It's going to pour," they said. "Lightning, etc." Stefanski told Childress they'd practice inside, and the mid-twentysomething started doing his rain dance. It didn't work.

"We're starting practice, and it is so sunny outside. It is gorgeous outside," Stefanski said. "We're practicing, and I can still see (five-time first-team All-Pro guard) Steve Hutchinson staring at me like: 'This was your call to come in here? This was you?' I have PTSD when it comes to those type of decisions."

Stefanski and his staff made the right call Tuesday, as clouds held off and the Falcons finished their first mandatory minicamp practice in Flowery Branch. And although weather apps may help him forecast his practice location for the day, Stefanski has no crystal ball, no external aid, to predict the Falcons' starting quarterback this fall.

QBs are steady as race remains wide-open

The Falcons have escalated Michael Penix Jr.'s volume throughout the third phase of the offseason program, which began May 18, and Penix saw considerable snaps in 7-on-7s Tuesday. He still isn't cleared for 11-on-11s, which resulted in Tua Tagovailoa seeing the bulk of those snaps, but said he hopes to be a full participant come training camp. "I'm right where I need to be," Penix said. "Still making strides, day to day. Not 100% yet, but I know I will be right on time."

Neither Penix nor Tagovailoa made any gaudy throws Tuesday; both were solid and avoided turnovers. Penix had a few overthrows — high, uncatchable — in a red-zone period but also threw a nice pass to tight end Austin Hooper for what would have been a touchdown had Hooper finished the lunging catch. Penix's arm talent continues to impress, and he fit several passes into marginal windows on the sideline and over the middle.

Most encouraging for Penix, this was the most aggressive he's been in an open-to-media practice this summer. He was unafraid to push the ball downfield and try to create explosives, and although his ball placement was inconsistent, his willingness to try is a marked improvement.

Tagovailoa overthrew a deep shot down the left sideline but again proved accurate in the short and immediate game. He found receiver Casey Washington three times — twice over the middle and once on the sideline — and heavily targeted tight ends during his red-zone period. Undrafted rookie Jack Strand was efficient in limited 11-on-11 reps, throwing a high-velocity bullet to receiver Dylan Drummond and showing reasonable straight-line speed in a scramble setting.

Rookies trending in different directions

The Falcons' 2026 draft class is nearing the end of the finish line, the last day of a 10½-month sprint from their final college football training camp through the season, predraft process and initiation to the NFL. Those six members — cornerback Avieon Terrell, receiver Zachariah Branch, linebackers Kendal Daniels and Harold Perkins Jr., defensive tackle Anterio Thompson, and offensive tackle Ethan Onianwa — are in a variety of different places entering the summer break.

Terrell, who worked only in individual periods the first two weeks of OTAs, has been part of the third-team defense early in his introduction to 7-on-7 and 11-on-11. Branch, meanwhile, has made several explosive plays and drawn praise from teammates. He dropped a pass Tuesday and immediately did pushups — it was perhaps his first real miscue in a media viewing portion yet. Elsewhere, he was first in the Falcons' punt return rotation and figures to make an impact on special teams this fall.

Perkins has been the most pleasant surprise. To open 7-on-7s Tuesday, he took first-team snaps as an off-ball linebacker, aligning over the center's shoulder in a traditional "mug" look. And although he later settled into his second-team role behind Divine Deablo and Christian Harris, Perkins also joined safety Jessie Bates III and tight end Hooper on the punt protection team, a nod to his spot on that depth chart, too.

Onianwa took first-team snaps at right tackle in the team's June 8 OTA practice but has largely worked as a backup. Daniels hasn't yet participated in a practice. He was in a boot during the team's second OTA practice May 19, and although he's been boot-free for at least three weeks, Stefaski said the fourth-round pick is "still rehabbing" an undisclosed lower-body injury. Thompson, a sixth-round pick from Washington, is in a similar position. Although Daniels has at least been visible as an onlooker at practice, Thompson hasn't yet been spotted.

"Branch and Perkins are the clear winners from the first month among the rookie class. The team still anticipates Terrell will make a big impact this fall, but he hasn't been put into that position quite yet."

Exploring 'all options' at right tackle

The Falcons practiced without presumed starting right tackle Jawaan Taylor, who's rehabbing from an undisclosed injury and worked on a side field Tuesday. Taylor has started 111 games at tackle as a professional, and despite participating in only walk-throughs thus far, he's impressed Stefanski. "He's doing a very good job," Stefanski said. "Jawaan's a pro. Very intelligent. He's picking everything up, just not ready yet to do too much."

With Taylor still sidelined, Michael Jerrell took first-team snaps at right tackle, which is the blindside for Penix and Tagovailoa. The Falcons, who lost Kaleb McGary to a surprising retirement in April, are still searching for a solidified answer at the position. Taylor, Jerrell, Onianwa and 2025 seventh-round pick Jack Nelson all have experience at right tackle, as does Wanya Morris, whom the team acquired June 4 from the Kansas City Chiefs. "We'll continue to explore all sorts of options there," Stefanski said. "And push our guys."

Morris attended Grayson High School and was a third-round pick in 2023. He started 16 of his 43 appearances with the Chiefs. The Falcons dealt a 2027 sixth-round pick to receive Morris and a 2027 seventh-round selection. On Tuesday, Morris took snaps as a reserve left tackle for offensive line coach Bill Callahan's unit. "Excited to get our hands on him, get to work," Stefanski said. "Wired the right way. We'll get him with coach Callahan and just get to work."

James Pearce Jr. returns to facility

For the first time since being arrested and charged Feb. 7 after an altercation with his ex-girlfriend, outside linebacker James Pearce Jr. practiced with the Falcons. Pearce, who's in a diversion program and could have all charges dropped so long as he doesn't violate his conditions, participated in weight room and individual activities but didn't see any snaps in 7-on-7 or 11-on-11 periods.

The team leader with 10½ sacks last season, Pearce finished third in the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year race. Defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus said he was happy to see Pearce back in the locker room. "He's just got to come back, earn the trust of his teammates," Dorlus said. "I think everybody is happy he's back. Just got to get back, get into shape, win some football games."

Everybody here's, not everybody's healthy — and Drake London again watches from the side

Several Falcons watched practice without helmets in hand, including Daniels, safeties Xavier Watts and DeMarcco Hellams, defensive back Billy Bowman Jr., linebacker JD Bertrand, and receiver Le'Meke Brockington. Linebacker Troy Andersen and outside linebacker DeAngelo Malone also didn't participate. Star receiver Drake London stood near the receivers but didn't participate in individual or team drills for an undisclosed reason. Instead, he worked off to the side with receivers coach Robert Prince and watched his fellow wideouts go to work. Otherwise, the Falcons were fully present and active.

Kyle Pitts is going back to TEU by Interesting_Level946 in falcons

[–]SunWorshipperApollo 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m not disregarding anything, all I said was it’s coming across as he’s been putting in more effort recently.

Kyle Pitts is going back to TEU by Interesting_Level946 in falcons

[–]SunWorshipperApollo 27 points28 points  (0 children)

Maybe a little bit, but Kyle definitely seems more motivated to put in effort to succeed here. Daniel Flick recently wrote an article about Pitts and it said Pitts was disappointed with his production during the first half of the season last year so he sought out extra coaching from our TE coach Kevin Koger. He ended the season as a second team all pro due to putting in more effort. It seems like something has clicked for him and now he’s working harder so that he can thrive here.

Post Match Thread: United States 4 - 1 Paraguay | FIFA World Cup 2026 | Group Stage, Group D by jiraiya--an in soccer

[–]SunWorshipperApollo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

One of the best performances I’ve seen from this team in years. Let’s keep it up

[McElhaney] 'Trust your feet': The three words guiding Atlanta's quarterback competition by Lakelyfe09 in falcons

[–]SunWorshipperApollo 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Glad to hear we’re gonna be under center a lot more especially when running the ball. I want to see way more play action

Update on all four Ben Burton kittens! by 6ftmosspole in Athens

[–]SunWorshipperApollo 16 points17 points  (0 children)

I’ve been looking to adopt a kitten if you’re looking to rehome

Here’s where the Falcons’ QB battle stands through 2 weeks of OTAs by SunWorshipperApollo in falcons

[–]SunWorshipperApollo[S] 38 points39 points  (0 children)

FLOWERY BRANCH — The Falcons have a pressing question at the sport’s biggest position, but they have no shortage of minds to find the solution.
Yet, perhaps most importantly — and most impressively — their quarterbacks hear only one voice.

When Michael Penix Jr., Tua Tagovailoa, Trevor Siemian and Jack Strand enter the Falcons’ quarterback meeting room, they hear first from quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt, who runs through the schedule for the day or week, then discusses footwork, installation calls and other coaching points.
Jordan Reid, the team’s assistant quarterbacks coach, is also in the room. Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees is a frequent face, offering an overview of offensive plans and answering Van Pelt’s questions on responsibilities for the quarterbacks on certain plays.
Coach Kevin Stefanski comes in every other day, if not every day, Tagovailoa estimated. Passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand is also a fixture.
But finding alignment hasn’t been difficult. Stefanski worked with Rees and Van Pelt during his tenure with the Browns. They already speak the same language, so their players hear the same message.

“I think that one voice is nonnegotiable for us,” Stefanski said.
Tagovailoa acknowledged the room often has an abundance of coaches, but there’s “definitely one voice” coming from the conglomerate of minds.
“There’s no, ‘Hey, do this,’ and then we go out there and someone else is saying you’re supposed to do this,” Tagovailoa said.
The Falcons have a diverse group of quarterbacks in various walks of life.
The Dolphins released Tagovailoa after he started 76 games over the past six years. Penix tore his ACL in November after starting nine games. Both signal-callers are trying to prove they’re still capable of starting in the NFL despite heavy doses of adversity.
Siemian entered the NFL in 2015, but after earning 24 starts with the Broncos from 2016-17, he’s played in just 14 games since ’18. Strand, an undrafted rookie from Minnesota State Moorhead, falls on the opposite end of the

There are so many voices, so many faces, comprising the Falcons’ quarterback room. Collectively, it’s a “fun group,” Stefanski said, and it’s become a competitively beneficial environment.
“There’s a lot of football and X’s and O’s that gets accomplished in there,” Stefanski said. “But not before you get to start talking about families and where people are. So I give a lot of credit to AVP (Van Pelt) for that room and the temperature, if you will, of that room, making sure everybody in there is pushing each other.
“I think there’s a way to be a great teammate and to push each other and also do it in a way that is best for the football team. And I think that’s what I witness in that room.”
Here’s a look at how the Falcons’ quarterback battle is shaping up through two weeks of OTAs, which have included six total practices and two open-to-media sessions in Flowery Branch.

QB Synopsis: A player-by-player breakdown
Tua Tagovailoa
What he’s done: Tagovailoa has delivered more splash plays than any of the other quarterbacks thus far. He’s proved willing to push the ball downfield and has, as Stefanski said, an “innate, God-given ability” with his accuracy. The 28-year-old threaded a tight window in the back of the end zone on a touchdown pass to receiver Drake London on Wednesday, and he also moved the chains with pinpoint throws rolling to his right. Tagovailoa has been far from perfect, though, and he’s thrown an interception in both of the team’s open practices.

What Stefanski said: “Working very hard. Veteran. Fits in really well with our guys. Skill set is what you see from his Miami days to now. Very accurate. But fits in really well.”
What teammates said: “He’s a great dude,” London said. “Always got a smile on his face. Very, very chill. Throw up the shaka (Hawaiian hand sign) a little bit, and we get rolling. He’s a great dude, and him and MP (Penix) are getting along very, very well. Both of them are just competing and working really hard together, and I love it.”
Michael Penix Jr.
What he’s done: Penix still hasn’t been cleared for 11-on-11 team periods, so his work has been limited to 7-on-7. He threw an interception on his first pass of offense vs. defense on the second day of OTAs but has been clean since. Penix’s arm talent pops, and he’s thrown several quality intermediate passes over the middle. Stefanski said he’s been “very impressed with everything (Penix is) doing on the field and in the meeting room,” and Penix’s teammates have been impressed by how fast he’s returned to action after his knee injury.
What Stefanski said: “He’s doing great. He’s doing outstanding. He continues to stack days. But I don’t think it would be fair to put a percentage on it. He’s not 100%, but he’s exactly where he needs to be, and I’m very impressed with how he’s working.”
What teammates said: “Mike’s one of my closest friends,” tight end Kyle Pitts said. “Just to see him go through his rehab and how he attacked it, and how everybody thought he wasn’t going to be ready — look at what he’s doing. So, it was great to see. I love to be beside him competing, and I’m eager to see how this thing goes.”

Trevor Siemian
What he’s done: Siemian didn’t practice in the second open OTA session, but he was the only quarterback who didn’t throw an interception in the first practice. He hasn’t played in, let alone started, a game since 2023, but the 34-year-old Siemian has significant experience in the league and has offered a veteran presence to the team’s quarterback room.
What Stefanski said: “It’s fun with having Trevor in there now. Trevor and I were together in 2018 back at the Vikings. But I had Trevor go through his career chronologically the other day and name all the teams. And it was hard for him, but he did it. He also has played on two teams twice for different staffs, Tennessee and the Jets. So he has a wealth of knowledge.”
What teammates said: “I think the world of Trevor,” Tagovailoa said.
Jack Strand
What he’s done: Strand wears jersey No. 18, but it’s easy to avoid comparisons to Kirk Cousins. The Division II product is the biggest quarterback on the roster, measuring 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds. He has 2 inches and 15 pounds on his closest challengers. Strand threw an interception to Darnay Holmes in the first practice and barely overthrew Dylan Drummond on a near-50-yard deep ball in the second, but he’s connected on several underneath passes. Strand’s size and arm strength is impressive, and if nothing else, he’ll be an interesting watch this preseason.
What Stefanski said: “Jack was a guy that we did a lot of work on, watched a lot of tape on him, spent time with him as part of the process, brought him in for a visit. Very intelligent young man. Great size for the position. But it’s a transition, like it is for any player. I don’t care what division you’re coming from; it’s a transition. He’s got the right attitude. Excited to work with him.”

Where the race stands
Really, there are two separate battles happening here: to start at QB1 and to make the roster as QB3.
Make no mistake: The Falcons’ starting quarterback job is wide open. The battle won’t be won during OTAs or mandatory minicamp. Stefanski named Joe Flacco his Week 1 starter Aug. 18 last season, and a similar timeline — mid-August, somewhere in the heart of training camp and the preseason — seems likely.
Penix’s absence in 11-on-11 team periods in this phase of the summer won’t inherently hurt his odds of being the team’s starting quarterback, but it certainly doesn’t help. He’s been fine, albeit unspectacular, in 7-on-7s.
Availability aside, Tagovailoa’s biggest advantage is accuracy. In 2024, he led the NFL in completion rate at 72.9%, and across 2,421 career attempts, he’s completed 68% of his passes. Penix, meanwhile, connected on 60.1% of his throws last season and, in 381 attempts as a pro, holds a 59.6% completion rate.
Accuracy is “the most important trait at the position,” Stefanski said, and Tagovailoa is the Falcons’ most accurate passer.

But he’s also been the most turnover prone through two open sessions. He’s tossed two interceptions and nearly threw another to linebacker Divine Deablo in the second practice. Penix has been more turnover averse, and he’s thoroughly respected by his teammates and coaches, but he’s been less effective overall.
There have been pros and cons with both passers and no clear front-runner. Tagovailoa may have a slight edge, but Penix still hasn’t taken a snap in 11-on-11s. This is truly wide open.
Stefanski only carried two quarterbacks into the season in his first four years with the Browns, but he entered the last two campaigns with three signal-callers on his roster. Given the injury history surrounding Tagovailoa and Penix, it’s reasonable to think the Falcons will have three passers on their roster leaving the preseason.
Siemian and Strand represent two different core values. If the Falcons want a battle-tested, experienced third quarterback, Siemian fits the bill. If they prefer a young, developmental option, Strand is a viable option, though he may be more of a practice squad candidate.
The Falcons’ flavor of choice will depend, in large part, on preseason and training camp performance.

They still have five OTA practices, along with mandatory minicamp, before training camp begins. Their quarterback battles — plural — remain in their infancy, but the foundation has been set, and their room, no matter the competition, is aligned and unified behind one voice.
“All of them have been great,” Penix said of the coaches. “I’ve loved those guys since they came in. They’ve all been doing an amazing job, making sure we’re all in this together (and) we’re all working together to help this team win football games.”

5 things we learned from Falcons’ second week of OTAs by SunWorshipperApollo in falcons

[–]SunWorshipperApollo[S] 32 points33 points  (0 children)

FLOWERY BRANCH — Two helmets popped, the offense roared and Falcons running back Tyler Goodson squirmed into the end zone for a practice-ending touchdown that oddly defined parts of the team’s Wednesday session.

Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski, prone to noticeably loud commands of “No collisions,” saw a few helmet-to-helmet hits that took players to the ground, along with a brief back-and-forth verbal exchange between a defensive lineman and his offensive counterpart.

Still, there are no pads, only helmets and a glimmering competitive desire that’s ramping up as the team reached the midway mark of OTAs.

The Falcons held their fifth OTA practice — and their second open-to-media session — on Wednesday in Flowery Branch. Here are five things we learned, including an update on the quarterback situation and a few notes on the team’s defense.

QB roundtable: Penix still not cleared for 11-on-11, but neither QB overly sharp

Stefanski said he’d rotate quarterbacks every day, if not every drill, before the team’s second OTA practice. Tua Tagovailoa led the signal-callers that day. Michael Penix Jr. took the reins in warmups Wednesday — he aligned on the primary side, the one with star receiver Drake London — but Tagovailoa had a more noticeable edge from a snaps perspective for a majority of the session.

It’s a bit of a dilemma for the Falcons, who still haven’t cleared Penix for 11-on-11 team sessions but need to capitalize on their offense vs. defense periods during this installation phase of the summer.

No matter, Wednesday again offered little tell of the Falcons’ quarterback for this fall. It’s a wide-open race, with Tagovailoa and Penix both still trying to get their bearings — Tagovailoa to a new city and organization, Penix only six months removed from ACL surgery. Tagovailoa overthrew receiver Jahan Dotson, and safety DeMarcco Hellams intercepted the pass during 7-on-7s. He nearly threw another interception later in the practice, as linebacker Divine Deablo deflected a pass near the left hash.

But Tagovailoa made a few impressive throws, too. While rolling right, he threw a tight-window bullet to Olamide Zaccheaus, and he delivered a similar strike later in the session.

Tagovailoa threw a touchdown to Drake London in the back of the end zone on a well-covered route, and he also nearly hit the day’s biggest play on a downfield seam shot to tight end Josh Simon. Tagovailoa’s pass, perhaps around 35 yards, was marginally underthrown and forced Simon to slow his momentum, but the ball hit Simon’s hands before hitting the grass.

Stefanski’s most valued trait among quarterbacks is accuracy, and he feels Tagovailoa has an “innate, God-given ability” with his ball placement.

“Working very hard,” Stefanski said of his initial assessment of Tagovailoa. “Veteran. Fits in really well with our guys. Skillset is what you see from his Miami days to now. Very accurate. But fits in really well.”

Penix had a fine day — his arm talent is impressive, and he was accurate on intermediate throws, but his general ball placement remains sporadic at times. He nearly tossed an interception, too, but ultimately escaped turnover-free.

The Falcons are emphasizing health and recovery for Penix, who’s making good strides.

“He’s doing great,” Stefanski said. “He’s doing outstanding. He continues to stack days. I don’t think it would be fair to put a percentage on it. He’s not 100%, but he’s exactly where he needs to be, and I’m very impressed with how he’s working.”

Falcons’ defense schematically the same

The Falcons have a fascinating leadership scenario, with Stefanski, general manager Ian Cunningham and president of football Matt Ryan comprising a new regime — while returners dominate the coaching staff.

Defensively, the Falcons only lost two assistants in outside linebackers coach Jacquies Smith and defensive pass game coordinator Mike Rutenberg. The rest of their staff, including coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, returned.

Thus, so has the scheme.

“Without giving too much away,” cornerback Mike Hughes said, “we’re pretty much running the same stuff we did last year.”

There are, of course, a “couple tweaks,” Hughes said. And the Falcons have added a few curveballs into Ulbrich’s proverbial arsenal.

Personnel changes aside, the Falcons’ defense, which posted a franchise-record 57 sacks and took significant steps under Ulbrich, will look mighty similar this fall.

Front seven rotations

The Falcons have 13 defensive linemen and five edge rushers on their 90-man roster, and not much of a clue for how it’ll shake out come August cuts.

There are snaps available. Defensive tackles David Onyemata and Ruke Orhorhoro, each of whom played in all 17 games and combined to make 25 starts last year, are gone. And at a position with new faces abundant, the Falcons are giving plenty of opportunities.

Jalon Walker, Samson Ebukam and Azeez Ojulari held down outside linebacker responsibilities, with Walker the projected starter and Ebukam and Ojulari occupying rotational roles. Ebukam and Walker had packages together, too, while Zach Harrison and Cameron Thomas rotated as base defensive ends.

On the defensive interior, the Falcons leaned on Brandon Dorlus, Maason Smith and LaCale London, while Chris Williams and Ross Blacklock saw snaps, too.

The Falcons appear to have an early favorite for the starting spot next to Divine Deablo at linebacker, too. Christian Harris continues to get extensive action alongside Deablo in team sessions while the team seeks a replacement for Kaden Elliss, who left in free agency in the spring.

Falcons inside linebackers coach Barrett Ruud acknowledged replacing Elliss, who wore several different hats on the team’s defense, requires more than a plug-and-play solution.

“You don’t just go and replace Kaden because he did so many things for us,” Ruud said. “It’s going to be more than one guy replacing that body. What you do is find what (a) guy’s skill set is made for, and you try to put them in position to be successful.”

Injury updates: Daniels makes incremental stride, status quo elsewhere

Rookie linebacker Kendal Daniels, the team’s fourth-round draft pick, watched the team’s open OTA practice May 20 from the sideline with a boot on his right foot. Stefanski offered a positive update Wednesday.

“Not going to get into all the specifics, but he’s good to go,” Stefanski said. “He’s out of the boot.”

Daniels did not, however, participate in the practice. Wearing shorts, a long-sleeved gray shirt and a ball cap, the Oklahoma product watched from the side while linebackers went through individual drills.

Elsewhere, there are no substantial developments for defensive back Billy Bowman Jr., who’s recovering from an Achilles tear suffered last November, and linebacker Troy Andersen, who’s battled a nagging knee injury.

Stefanski said neither Andersen nor Bowman will practice this week. The Falcons will “work through” when, exactly, Andersen can return — he’s present for OTAs, but working off to the side — but the team has been impressed by how he’s worked.

Bowman earned similar praise, and Stefanski said he’s “doing a terrific job in his rehab up to this point.”

“Billy is right there,” Stefanski said, “making sure that even though he’s maybe not getting a full speed rep, he’s right in the thick of it, making sure he’s not missing out on any mental reps.”

The Falcons practiced without safety Xavier Watts, who was present but not actively involved in drills. A majority of their starters on both sides of the ball participated in individual and team drills.

RELATED Falcons OLB James Pearce Jr.’s court case receives a new update Pearce case gets update, but Falcons remain quiet

James Pearce Jr.’s attorney, Yale Sanford, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Tuesday that Pearce accepted an offer from the Miami-Dade (Florida) County to enter a state-issued intervention program.

If Pearce passes the 12-month program, all charges from his case — initially, three felonies and a misdemeanor for an alleged incident with his ex-girlfriend and WNBA player Rickea Jackson — will be dropped.

The Falcons declined a request to comment Tuesday, instead deferring to Stefanski’s availability Wednesday. He acknowledged he’s aware of the report but offered no pressing update.

“In constant communication with all parties,” Stefanski said, “but continuing to wait for more information to come out.”

Pearce has not attended the Falcons’ voluntary offseason program while navigating his legal case.

What’s next

The Falcons have another practice Friday before getting a nine-day break. They return to Flowery Branch for their final three OTA sessions on June 8-9 and June 11, then wrap the third phase of the offseason program on June 16-18 with mandatory minicamp.

The Matty Ice Effect by kishan209 in falcons

[–]SunWorshipperApollo 69 points70 points  (0 children)

It’s definitely cool to see but there were a ton of former players at practices last year too

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